Violinist Sam Boghossian, 88, dies

Hollywood musician played with L.A. Philharmonic

Violinist Sam Boghossian, who played with the L.A. Philharmonic and in films and TV shows, died July 13 in Grass Valley, Calif. He was 88.

Born in Armenia, he began playing violin at the age of 8 and studied at the New England Conservatory, Julliard and France’s Nice Conservatory.

After nearly serving in the armed forces, he played with Columbus Orchestra, Pittsburgh Orchestra and the Freddy Martin Band, with Merv Griffin as lead singer.

He joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic, playing for 13 years under Von Karajan, Bruno Walter, Von Beinum and Zubin Mehta.

He went on to play violin and viola for studio and TV orchestras, performing with talent including Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Julie Andrews, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Neil Diamond, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Jascha Heifetz, Issac Stern and Luciano Pavarotti.

He played on TV show including “The Carol Burnett Show,” “Andy Williams” and “Bonanza.” Boghossian worked with conductor and arranger Artie Butler, John Williams and many others.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elenore, a daughter, two sons, a brother and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.